In the glamorous world of the Pakistani entertainment industry, sometimes all it takes is some characters…
As Pakistani audiences, we love and cherish our on-screen characters not just for days but for decades! Who could forget Khirad from Humsafar or the unforgettable duo of Zaroon and Kashaf from Zindagi Gulzar Hai? And let’s not leave out Saima Chaudhry from Dolly Ki Aayegi Baraat or the iconic Abdul Qadir from Main Abdul Qadir Hoon. Bano from Dastaan also holds a special place in our hearts and the list goes on!
What makes these characters so lovable and memorable are the talented actors who brought them to life. Sometimes, it’s that one standout role that transforms an actor into a star, leaving a lasting mark on our hearts. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on four characters who stayed with audiences well beyond the final episode.
1. Sehar Khan As Umeed In Fairytale 1 & 2
Sehar Khan has been in the industry since 2018, working in Faasiq, Sanwari, Farq, and more. But for Pakistani drama fans, Umeed in Fairytale has a special place in their heart. This Ramzan drama turned out to be just what they needed—lighthearted, fun, and easy to watch. It carried messages without being too heavy or preachy. Umeed is not your average middle-class girl waiting for her prince charming to marry her so she can fulfill her dreams with his support. Instead, she is a character filled with life, energy, chaos, hope, courage, and independence to do things on her own.
Sehar Khan truly aced the character of Umeed striking a balance between thoughtful and chaotic. She portrayed a relatable girl with dreams of soaring high, rather than merely playing frivolous. Fast forward a few months, and she’s been taking on scripts that matter, whether it’s Jafaa or her current project Tan Man Neel O Neel. Plus, we can’t wait to see her again this Ramzan alongside Khushhal Khan in the drama titled Rakshi Sweets, which we hope will bring us something fresh and different!
Fairytale was written by Sarah Majeed and directed by Ali Hasan. It starred Sehar Khan, Hamza Sohail, Adnan Raza Mir, Aena Khan, Amna Youzasaif, Tehseen Wajahat Saleem Sheikh, and more.
2. Shuja Asad As Barlas In Khaie
Shuja Asad has been working since 2022 and appeared on the drama radar with Pyar Deewangi Hai, Bandish 2, and College Gate. However, it was his role as Barlas in Khaie that truly captured everyone’s attention! Unlike your typical love-smitten couple fighting for their love, Khaie added a thriller version to the story, earning well-deserved recognition. In Khaie, we witnessed a star who conveys multiple emotions through his eyes, connecting with viewers in a subtle yet powerful way. Shuja effortlessly mastered his character without being too over the top. Barlas was not a haunting character; not black, or white, he existed in shades of grey, evoking audience sympathy even as he was brutal for love, which made him all the more intriguing.
His chemistry with Apana, played by Mah e Nur, was the highlight of the show and Shuja proved that he could leave a lasting impact in just a few episodes. What makes Barlas memorable was how the character was portrayed. Currently, Shuja is starring in Aye Ishq-e-Junoon and in Tan Man Neel O Neel alongside Sehar Khan as Sonu Danger.
Khaie, written by Saqlain Abbas and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain. It is Produced by Abdullah Kadwani & Asad Qureshi under 7th Sky Entertainment. Khaie features Dur e Fishan Saleem and Faysal Quraishi in lead roles along with Noorul Hassan, Uzma Hassan, Khalid Butt, Laila Wasti, Osama Tahir, Shuja Asad, Mah e Nur Haider, Shamyl Khan, Hina Bayat, Saba Faisal, Javed Jamal, Nabeel Zubairi, Hassan Noman and others.
3. Mamya Shajaffar As Annie In College Gate
Mamya Shajaffar’s portrayal of Annie in College Gate marked a significant turning point in her acting career. Unlike the typical “sassy, don’t-care” characters, Annie, the ‘sweet-burger-with-supportive-parents’, was a well-rounded individual with caring parents, offering a refreshing change from the norm. The drama’s college setting provided a realistic glimpse into students’ lives, delving into pertinent teenage issues like academic pressure, familial expectations, and cultural diversity. Annie’s character, shaped by her parents’ support, understanding, and open communication, highlighted the positive effects of good parenting.
Mamya Shajaffar’s portrayal of Annie really connected with viewers, showing her ability to bring depth and realism to her character. Instead of falling into common stereotypes, Mamya made Annie feel real and relatable. She highlighted how Annie’s supportive parents helped shape her in a positive way. This made Annie’s story stand out and gave the show a unique touch, making it one of the memorable dramas on Pakistani television. Mamya has been steadily making her mark in the industry with roles in Crossroads, Contractors, Jhok Sarkar, and Jaan Se Pyara Juni. Currently, Mamya is stealing the show with her role as Sadia in Faraar. Playing a daughter longing for justice after her father’s death, she has added yet another unforgettable character to her list.
College Gate was written by Ateeq Inayat and Ali Sikandar and directed by Fahim Burney. The cast featured Mamya Shajaffar, Shuja Asad, Hina Chaudhary, Zarrar Khan, Arslan Khan, Khaqan Shahnawaz, Washma Fatima, and more.
4. Hamza Sohail As Farjad In Fairytale 1 & 2
Hamza Sohail as Farjad in Fairytale 1 & 2 was everything we never knew we needed in a hero! Forget the typical Pakistani guy who just wants a girl to make him gol roti; Farjad was the total opposite. He was supportive, a hopeless romantic when in love, and someone who wanted to help Umeed spread her wings and fly high, not depend on him. Hamza brought so much charm to the role, effortlessly going from being the punctual, workaholic guy to the loving, supportive husband who stands by Umeed in her journey. Whether it was helping her set up her chai dhaba or by breaking stereotypes and being the son-in-law every mother-in-law dreams of, Hamza made Farjad a hero we can’t forget!
Hamza first appeared in Raqeeb Se, but it was Fairytale that turned him into a household name. Since then, audiences have been waiting for his next projects, and he’s been delivering! From Sirf Tum to Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet to Zard Patton Ka Bunn, he’s proved he’s here to stay. And now, all eyes are on his upcoming Ramzan drama with Sajal Aly, Dil Wali Gali Mein. We just know he’s going to steal the show once again!
Fairytale was written by Sarah Majeed and directed by Ali Hasan. It starred Sehar Khan, Hamza Sohail, Adnan Raza Mir, Aena Khan, Amna Youzasaif, Tehseen Wajahat Saleem Sheikh, and more.
See how? Just one character, played to perfection, can turn an actor into a star overnight! And these four actors are living proof of that. They’ve carved their space in our hearts, and now, they’re here to stay—joining the legendary list alongside Zaroon, Bano, and the one and only Faisalabadi designer Saima Chaudhary Jee!
Let us know your favorite characters among these in the comments below—we’d love to hear!
Umeed and farjaad forever